Taleigao MLA and former Cabinet Min ister Jennifer Monser rate passed away on Sat urday at a private hospital in Dona Paula after a pro longed battle with cancer. She was 56. A three-time legislator and the first woman to represent her constituency since 2012, Monserrate’s demise has plunged the State into grief, prompting the Goa government to declare a two-day period of official state mourning on July 19 and 20. Earlier, she was dis charged from a hospital in Mumbai. During her political ca reer, she also served as a Cabinet Minister in the Pramod Sawant-led gov ernment. She is survived by her husband, Panjim MLA and Revenue Minister Atana sio ‘Babush’ Monserrate, and their sons Rohit, the Mayor of the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP), and Amit.
During the mourning period, the National Flag will be flown at half-mast across the State and there will be no official enter tainment. According to family sources, Monserrate’s mortal remains will be kept at her residence in Taleigao from 10 am on Monday to enable the public to pay their last re spects. A funeral Mass will be held at 3:30 pm at Ta leigao Church, after which her last rites will subse quently be performed at the Hindu crematorium in St Inez, Panjim, in accord ance with her final wishes. Tributes from political leaders Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum, with leaders and members of the pub lic mourning the loss of a leader remembered for her dedication and com passion. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant expressed deep sorrow over her demise, describing her as a com mitted public representa tive. “Deeply pained by the sad demise of Jennifer Monserrate ji, MLA of Ta leigao and former Cabinet Minister. As the first wom an MLA of Taleigao and a three-term legislator, she served the people of her constituency and Goa with dedication and compas sion. My heartfelt condo lences to the family and her countless well-wish ers in this hour of grief. May her soul rest in eter nal peace,” Sawant said. Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao also condoled her passing. “Saddened to learn of the untimely passing of former Minister and Taleigao MLA Jennifer Monserrate. My heart felt condolences to her husband, Panjim MLA Babush Monserrate, and her family. May her soul rest in eternal peace,” he said. The Goa Pradesh Con gress Committee (GPCC) expressed profound grief over her demise, de scribing Monserrate as a respected public figure whose contribution to so ciety and public life would always be remembered.
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In a statement, GPCC president Girish Chodankar said she touched countless lives through her warmth, ded ication and commitment to the people of Goa, while extending condolences to her family, friends and well-wishers. MLA Capt Venzy Viegas said he was deeply grieved by the passing of his leg islative colleague and for mer Minister. “I extend my sincere and heartfelt condolences to Revenue Minister Atana sio Monserrate, their son and Panjim Mayor Rohit Monserrate, and pray for strength for the entire family during this very dif ficult time. May God grant her soul eternal rest,” he said. Goa Forward Party pres ident and Fatorda MLA Vi jai Sardesai described her as a dedicated public serv ant whose commitment to Goa would be remem bered with respect and gratitude. “She leaves behind a lasting legacy of service. I extend my heartfelt con dolences to Babush, Rohit, Amit and the entire Mon serrate family, as well as to her friends, supporters and all those mourning this immense loss,” Sarde sai said. Health Minister Vishwa jit Rane termed her death a deeply personal loss for his family. “Today, Goa has lost a compassionate public rep resentative and a woman who dedicated herself wholeheartedly to the service of the people. Her warmth, resilience and unwavering commitment to her constituency will always be remembered,” he said.
Poriem MLA Deviya Rane remembered Mon serrate as a dear friend and colleague. “Her unwavering com mitment to serving the people, compassionate nature and strength of character earned her the love and respect of every one who knew her. She will be remembered with immense respect and af fection,” she said. Goa BJP president Damu Naik expressed profound sadness and shock over her passing, calling it an immense loss to the State and its politi cal landscape. Rajya Sabha MP Sa danand Shet Tanavade also paid tribute, saying Monserrate would always be remembered for her dedicated service to the people of Goa. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant later visited the Monserrate residence to offer his condolences to Atanasio ‘Babush’ Monser rate and other members of the bereaved family.
A tribute from a friend
Late Taleigao MLA’s longtime friend Suzette Advani shares an intimate, heartfelt eulogy tracing a friendship built on unwritten trust, quiet strength, and an enduring bond of love. “Our death is our wedding with eternity.” — Rumi My dearest friend Jennifer has transcended to a heaven ly realm where peace reigns. Our friendship reverses back to when she was 18 and I was 22—Jen with her sun-kissed hair and me with my asym metrical haircut. We shared a deeply spiritual connection bound by an unwritten thread of trust and respect. It was a beautiful friendship with no frills or demands attached. Though she was a prominent minister, I often joked that my only expectation was a drive in her official car with the red beacon on. It never happened, because Jen was a woman of absolute integrity. Her illness came as a pro found shock, but Jen was one of the strongest, brav est people I knew. Our last moments together were incredibly special. On Fri day, she asked me to design a dress for her. I asked no questions, penciled a de sign, and spent the evening embroidering it with my own hands. Crafted in den im and white—her favour ite fabric and colours—it was a testament to her im mense bravery. She left us this morning, leaving behind a sudden vac uum. This journey taught me that love must be the true essence of our lives. I will al ways look for her aura in the passing clouds and the twin kling stars. Nestling amongst the clouds, angels humming peace, life’s seraphic pres ence, cradles one to ease.
